Saturday, February 18, 2017
Outreach idea: i'll buy you a coffee
Craig McCourt of New Creation Lutheran Church offers to buy people a coffee as way of meeting them...
Thursday, February 09, 2017
Some Ideas and resources for Ash Wednesday, Lent and Easter
Following are some ideas for Ash Wednesday, Lent and Easter
Textweek resources which includes Exegesis, Sermons, Liturgies, Music and resources for Children
Tim Suttle Paperback theology Ash Wednesday ideas and a discussion of why this day is so important
Lutheran Church of Australia Ash Wednesday resources
Ash Wednesday Service Order: Portland Heywood Lutheran Church 2016
40 ideas for Lent from Rachel Held Evans
Ash Wednesday for Kids
Weekly Lent Practice
Lent and Easter Infograph
40 Lenten Activites for kids
Visual Prayer for Lent
40 simple Lenten activities for kids
40 ideas for 40 days
If you have more suggestions or ideas feel free to comment
Textweek resources which includes Exegesis, Sermons, Liturgies, Music and resources for Children
Tim Suttle Paperback theology Ash Wednesday ideas and a discussion of why this day is so important
Lutheran Church of Australia Ash Wednesday resources
Ash Wednesday Service Order: Portland Heywood Lutheran Church 2016
40 ideas for Lent from Rachel Held Evans
Ash Wednesday for Kids
Weekly Lent Practice
Lent and Easter Infograph
40 Lenten Activites for kids
Visual Prayer for Lent
40 simple Lenten activities for kids
40 ideas for 40 days
If you have more suggestions or ideas feel free to comment
Monday, February 06, 2017
Book: ROFL with Jesus
In sounds and tones that emulate what real teens in Everytown USA face daily, ROFL w/Jesus :) is more than a narrative -- it is a tool.
The first in a planned Christian fiction series, this collection of stories is written for high school students and follows events in the lives of two high school students living in the same town, while attending separate schools. However, they attend the same church and youth group, and have discovered that they like each other. While trying to be good and do the right thing, it is not always easy in the secular world that surrounds them. The stories in this book are based on actual event - stories that involve peer pressure, drug and alcohol use, destruction of friendships, sexual tension, issues with parents, success and failure in school, responsibility when driving, and much more. Inter-woven into each fictional event, is a real person encountering life and faith in real ways that the author witness in his 30 years of youth work.
The book is available here
The first in a planned Christian fiction series, this collection of stories is written for high school students and follows events in the lives of two high school students living in the same town, while attending separate schools. However, they attend the same church and youth group, and have discovered that they like each other. While trying to be good and do the right thing, it is not always easy in the secular world that surrounds them. The stories in this book are based on actual event - stories that involve peer pressure, drug and alcohol use, destruction of friendships, sexual tension, issues with parents, success and failure in school, responsibility when driving, and much more. Inter-woven into each fictional event, is a real person encountering life and faith in real ways that the author witness in his 30 years of youth work.
The book is available here
Devotion: from the cradle to the empty grave
The season of Lent is one of thoughtful reflection. During this time of the church calendar, Christians ponder the unfolding events that led to Jesus’ condemnation and crucifixion: His triumphal march into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday; His firm words of warning about the events to come; His sham trial, brutal scourging, and horrific crucifixion. No day could be any darker; no travesty more calamitous than the slaying of God’s own Beloved Son. And yet, that’s what we find on Golgotha: our sins demanding His death on a cross to satisfy the Father’s righteous judgment.
Taken from the cross, the lifeless form of Christ was placed in another man’s tomb. With that action the world thought the ordeal complete, the savagery it had witnessed something it could now put behind it. But God’s work wasn’t quite done. Three days later, out of a sealed tomb—guarded to prevent theft—Jesus rose from the dead. And with that thunderous crescendo, mankind’s disgrace and ruin, which had destined it for eternal slaughter, is forgiven through the blood of Christ.
Lent is when we turn our eyes to the cross. It is there where Jesus, the sinless Son of God, suffered the indignity and shame of dying for our sins. And it is there where God’s wrath was satisfied by His Beloved Son’s supreme sacrifice, winning salvation for all who call Him their Savior.
From Lutheran Hour Ministries available for download and as handout for your congregation
availble here
Taken from the cross, the lifeless form of Christ was placed in another man’s tomb. With that action the world thought the ordeal complete, the savagery it had witnessed something it could now put behind it. But God’s work wasn’t quite done. Three days later, out of a sealed tomb—guarded to prevent theft—Jesus rose from the dead. And with that thunderous crescendo, mankind’s disgrace and ruin, which had destined it for eternal slaughter, is forgiven through the blood of Christ.
Lent is when we turn our eyes to the cross. It is there where Jesus, the sinless Son of God, suffered the indignity and shame of dying for our sins. And it is there where God’s wrath was satisfied by His Beloved Son’s supreme sacrifice, winning salvation for all who call Him their Savior.
From Lutheran Hour Ministries available for download and as handout for your congregation
availble here
Devotions for Lent
This beautiful, full-color devotional takes you through Lent with daily readings from Martin Luthers Small Catechism. Each reading is accompanied by a photo, a quote to ponder, reflection, and prayer. Free Indeed invites you to reflect on Martin Luthers guide to the basics of Christian faith during the Lenten season, and within the observance of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation
Available in Kindle and Paperback
available here
Available in Kindle and Paperback
available here
40 day journey with Martin Luther
Drawing from the vast collection of Luther's sermons and other works, editor Gracia Grindal here selects forty inspiring passages that raise profound truths about faith and life.
Includes a short introduction to Luther's life, journal-writing exercises and daily prayers. A rich resource for personal meditation or small group discussion. An inspiring companion anytime. Ideal for traveling through the seasons of Advent and Lent.
For more information visit here
Includes a short introduction to Luther's life, journal-writing exercises and daily prayers. A rich resource for personal meditation or small group discussion. An inspiring companion anytime. Ideal for traveling through the seasons of Advent and Lent.
For more information visit here
Book: Dictionary of Luther and Lutheran traditions
In the five hundred years since the publication of Martin Luther's Ninety-Five Theses, a rich set of traditions have grown up around that action and the subsequent events of the Reformation. This up-to-date dictionary by leading theologians and church historians covers Luther's life and thought, key figures of his time, and the various traditions he continues to influence.
Prominent scholars of the history of Lutheran traditions have brought together experts in church history representing a variety of Christian perspectives to offer a major, cutting-edge reference work. Containing nearly six hundred articles, this dictionary provides a comprehensive overview of Luther's life and work and the traditions emanating from the Wittenberg Reformation. It traces the history, theology, and practices of the global Lutheran movement, covering significant figures, events, theological writings and ideas, denominational subgroups, and congregational practices that have constituted the Lutheran tradition from the Reformation to the present day.
available from here
Prominent scholars of the history of Lutheran traditions have brought together experts in church history representing a variety of Christian perspectives to offer a major, cutting-edge reference work. Containing nearly six hundred articles, this dictionary provides a comprehensive overview of Luther's life and work and the traditions emanating from the Wittenberg Reformation. It traces the history, theology, and practices of the global Lutheran movement, covering significant figures, events, theological writings and ideas, denominational subgroups, and congregational practices that have constituted the Lutheran tradition from the Reformation to the present day.
available from here
Book: Foundations of Grace
Understanding the doctrines of grace provides a clearer picture of God's sovereignty, mercy, and majesty. From the lawgiver Moses to the Apostle John, and from the early church fathers to modern defenders of the faith, there has marched onto the stage of human history a long line of godly men, a triumphant parade of spiritual stalwarts who have upheld the doctrines of grace. In this book, Dr. Steven J. Lawson takes readers on a heart–stirring survey of the Scriptures and their teaching on God's way of salvation. Lawson demonstrates that far from being a sixteenth century invention, the doctrines of grace are the clear teaching of the Bible in its entirety. From Genesis to Revelation, the Scriptures declare the message of God's sovereign grace in salvation.
Contents
1. A LONG LINE OF GODLY MEN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SERVANTS OF SOVEREIGN GRACE: FROM MOSES TO THE PRESENT
2. WHERE THE LONG LINE BEGINS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
THE LAWGIVER MOSES: GENESIS
3. SOVEREIGN GRACE IN THE WILDERNESS . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
THE LAWGIVER MOSES: EXODUS TO DEUTERONOMY
4. STRONG MEN WITH A STRONG MESSAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . .
EARLY LEADERS: JOSHUA TO JOB
5. MONARCHS BOW BEFORE THE SOVEREIGN . . . . . . . . . . . .
KINGS DAVID AND SOLOMON: PSALMS, PROVERBS, AND ECCLESIASTES
6. SPOKESMAN OF SOVEREIGN GRACE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
THE MAJOR PROPHETS: ISAIAH
7. HERALDS OF DIVINE REGENERATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
THE MAJOR PROPHETS: JEREMIAH, EZEKIEL, AND DANIEL
8. MAJOR THEOLOGY FROM MINOR PROPHETS . . . . . . . . .
THE MINOR PROPHETS: HOSEA TO MALACHI
9. CHRIST, THE CALVINIST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
THE LORD JESUS CHRIST: MATTHEW, MARK, AND LUKE
10. THE MOUNT EVEREST OF THEOLOGY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
THE LORD JESUS CHRIST: THE GOSPEL OF JOHN
11. HOW FIRM A FOUNDATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
THE APOSTLE PETER: ACTS AND 1 & 2 PETER
12. BY HIS GRACE AND FOR HIS GLORY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
THE APOSTLE PAUL: ROMANS
13. PREACHER OF THE DOCTRINES OF GRACE . . . . . . . . . . . .
THE APOSTLE PAUL: 1 & 2 CORINTHIANS AND GALATIANS
14. BEFORE THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD . . . . . . . . . . .
THE APOSTLE PAUL: EPHESIANS TO 2 THESSALONIANS
15. THE PILLAR AND SUPPORT OF THE TRUTH . . . . . . . . . . .
THE APOSTLE PAUL: 1 & 2 TIMOTHY AND TITUS
16. EVANGELISM AND DIVINE SOVEREIGNTY . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
THE PHYSICIAN LUKE AND THE AUTHOR OF HEBREWS: ACTS AND HEBREWS
17. SOVEREIGN REGENERATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
JAMES, THE APOSTLE JOHN, AND JUDE: JAMES, 1, 2, & 3 JOHN, AND JUDE
18. THROUGHOUT ALL THE AGES TO COME . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
THE APOSTLE JOHN: THE GOSPEL OF JOHN AND REVELATION
available from here
Contents
1. A LONG LINE OF GODLY MEN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SERVANTS OF SOVEREIGN GRACE: FROM MOSES TO THE PRESENT
2. WHERE THE LONG LINE BEGINS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
THE LAWGIVER MOSES: GENESIS
3. SOVEREIGN GRACE IN THE WILDERNESS . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
THE LAWGIVER MOSES: EXODUS TO DEUTERONOMY
4. STRONG MEN WITH A STRONG MESSAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . .
EARLY LEADERS: JOSHUA TO JOB
5. MONARCHS BOW BEFORE THE SOVEREIGN . . . . . . . . . . . .
KINGS DAVID AND SOLOMON: PSALMS, PROVERBS, AND ECCLESIASTES
6. SPOKESMAN OF SOVEREIGN GRACE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
THE MAJOR PROPHETS: ISAIAH
7. HERALDS OF DIVINE REGENERATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
THE MAJOR PROPHETS: JEREMIAH, EZEKIEL, AND DANIEL
8. MAJOR THEOLOGY FROM MINOR PROPHETS . . . . . . . . .
THE MINOR PROPHETS: HOSEA TO MALACHI
9. CHRIST, THE CALVINIST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
THE LORD JESUS CHRIST: MATTHEW, MARK, AND LUKE
10. THE MOUNT EVEREST OF THEOLOGY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
THE LORD JESUS CHRIST: THE GOSPEL OF JOHN
11. HOW FIRM A FOUNDATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
THE APOSTLE PETER: ACTS AND 1 & 2 PETER
12. BY HIS GRACE AND FOR HIS GLORY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
THE APOSTLE PAUL: ROMANS
13. PREACHER OF THE DOCTRINES OF GRACE . . . . . . . . . . . .
THE APOSTLE PAUL: 1 & 2 CORINTHIANS AND GALATIANS
14. BEFORE THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD . . . . . . . . . . .
THE APOSTLE PAUL: EPHESIANS TO 2 THESSALONIANS
15. THE PILLAR AND SUPPORT OF THE TRUTH . . . . . . . . . . .
THE APOSTLE PAUL: 1 & 2 TIMOTHY AND TITUS
16. EVANGELISM AND DIVINE SOVEREIGNTY . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
THE PHYSICIAN LUKE AND THE AUTHOR OF HEBREWS: ACTS AND HEBREWS
17. SOVEREIGN REGENERATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
JAMES, THE APOSTLE JOHN, AND JUDE: JAMES, 1, 2, & 3 JOHN, AND JUDE
18. THROUGHOUT ALL THE AGES TO COME . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
THE APOSTLE JOHN: THE GOSPEL OF JOHN AND REVELATION
available from here
BOOK - Katharina and Martin Luther: The Radical Marriage of a Runaway Nun and a Renegade Monk
Martin and Katharina Luther's revolutionary marriage was arguably one of the most scandalous and intriguing in history. Yet five centuries later, we still know little about Martin and Katharina Luther's life as husband and wife. Until now.
Against all odds, the unlikely union worked, over time blossoming into the most tender of love stories. This unique biography tells the riveting story of two extraordinary people and their extraordinary relationship, offering refreshing insights into Christian history and illuminating the Luthers' profound impact on the institution of marriage, the effects of which still reverberate today. By the time they turn the last page, readers will have a deeper understanding of Luther as a husband and father and will come to love and admire Katharina, a woman who, in spite of her pivotal role, has been largely forgotten by history.
Together, this legendary couple experienced joy and grief, triumph and travail. This book brings their private lives and their love story into the spotlight and offers powerful insights into our own twenty-first-century understanding of marriage.
Available from here
Against all odds, the unlikely union worked, over time blossoming into the most tender of love stories. This unique biography tells the riveting story of two extraordinary people and their extraordinary relationship, offering refreshing insights into Christian history and illuminating the Luthers' profound impact on the institution of marriage, the effects of which still reverberate today. By the time they turn the last page, readers will have a deeper understanding of Luther as a husband and father and will come to love and admire Katharina, a woman who, in spite of her pivotal role, has been largely forgotten by history.
Together, this legendary couple experienced joy and grief, triumph and travail. This book brings their private lives and their love story into the spotlight and offers powerful insights into our own twenty-first-century understanding of marriage.
Available from here
40 days of Lenten Prayer guide
In the 40 days of this Lenten season, you are invited to join with many in the Lutheran Church of Australia and the Lutheran Church of New Zealand to pray for their partners in mission.
Prayer is a vital part of mission, of sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with those who don’t yet know him.
I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Philippians 1:3-6
The LCA has two arms reaching out across the borders of our countries to share Jesus’ love – LCA International Mission and Australian Lutheran World Service (ALWS).
LCA International Mission has the responsibility for mission and evangelism, so that, through the work of the Holy Spirit and in partnership with others, we can bring the life-changing news of the gospel to people overseas and cross-culturally in our own countries.
Through LCA International Mission you are enabling Jesus’ love to come to life in the lives of many people across the borders of our countries and particularly in our near-neighbour countries in South East Asia and the Pacific.
To obtain your copy of 40 days of Lenten prayer guide visit here
Prayer is a vital part of mission, of sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with those who don’t yet know him.
I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Philippians 1:3-6
The LCA has two arms reaching out across the borders of our countries to share Jesus’ love – LCA International Mission and Australian Lutheran World Service (ALWS).
LCA International Mission has the responsibility for mission and evangelism, so that, through the work of the Holy Spirit and in partnership with others, we can bring the life-changing news of the gospel to people overseas and cross-culturally in our own countries.
Through LCA International Mission you are enabling Jesus’ love to come to life in the lives of many people across the borders of our countries and particularly in our near-neighbour countries in South East Asia and the Pacific.
To obtain your copy of 40 days of Lenten prayer guide visit here
Asia Focus
ASIA FOCUS AUSTRALIA (AFA) is a Lutheran based, evangelical organisation that aims to be a source of inspiration and information on contemporary Christianity mainly overseas, Asia in particular. It endeavours to promote friendship and dialogue between Christians and whole churches beyond cultural divides. AFA supports holistic ministries that nurture body, mind and spirit and announce freedom and new life in Christ. AFA is ecumenical, Gospel focused and mission oriented.
Asia Focus Australia works in 11 countries – Indonesia, Malaysia (Sabah) , Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Myanmar, Mongolia, Bhutan, Liberia – West Africa.
For more information including a newsletter visit: http://www.asiafocus.org.au/
Asia Focus Australia works in 11 countries – Indonesia, Malaysia (Sabah) , Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Myanmar, Mongolia, Bhutan, Liberia – West Africa.
For more information including a newsletter visit: http://www.asiafocus.org.au/
Reformation celebration congregational kit
The congregation resource kit for the Reformation celebration contains downloadable materials to promote your congregation’s observation of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. The kit includes bulletin announcements, bulletin blurbs, social media memes, posters, a newspaper article, an op-ed article, a church newsletter article, and a banner template. Many of these resources can be customized to include your congregation’s name and contact information. -
See more at:http://lutheranreformation.org/media-videos-podcasts/reformation-500-congregation-resource-kit/
See more at:http://lutheranreformation.org/media-videos-podcasts/reformation-500-congregation-resource-kit/
Movie: the idea that changed the world
Luther: The idea that changed that changed the world
Martin Luther triggered a seismic upheaval that rocked the western world in the 1500s—with an impact that continues to reverberate to this day. This film tells the great adventure story of his life. At the same time, it examines his quest for truth—questions we all must face—including "Who am I?" "What is my purpose" and "How do I get right with God?"
Now you can see this compelling new movie at a special screening at your local movie theater.
For more information visit http://newluthermovie.com/
There is also opportunities to use this movie for an outreach event
Martin Luther triggered a seismic upheaval that rocked the western world in the 1500s—with an impact that continues to reverberate to this day. This film tells the great adventure story of his life. At the same time, it examines his quest for truth—questions we all must face—including "Who am I?" "What is my purpose" and "How do I get right with God?"
Now you can see this compelling new movie at a special screening at your local movie theater.
For more information visit http://newluthermovie.com/
There is also opportunities to use this movie for an outreach event
Movie: Martin Luther - the monk who changed the world
MARTIN LUTHER: The Monk Who Changed the World.
Discover the story behind the man who sparked the Protestant Reformation. Told through a seamless combination of live-action storytelling and artistic animation, Martin Luther’s daring life is presented in extensive detail while still making the film relevant, daring, and accessible.
For information visit https://www.lutherdocumentary.com/
Discover the story behind the man who sparked the Protestant Reformation. Told through a seamless combination of live-action storytelling and artistic animation, Martin Luther’s daring life is presented in extensive detail while still making the film relevant, daring, and accessible.
For information visit https://www.lutherdocumentary.com/
Sunday, February 05, 2017
Catechisms in pdf format
Collection of Luther's Catechisms in pdf format
Luther's Small Catechism
Luther's Small Catechism with explanation (supporting bible verses)
Luther's Large Catechism
available here
Luther's Small Catechism
Luther's Small Catechism with explanation (supporting bible verses)
Luther's Large Catechism
available here
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